Find out more about how to organize a trip to England for learning English: the features of choosing a language school, the specifics of study programs and accommodation - all this, and much more you can find in this article.
Learning English in England is the most important direction of development and education, because English today sounds and comes from all sides; English courses in England are the best way to get the much-needed modern man's ability to understand the world around him, communicate with people around the world, and not get lost in foreign countries. Learn English in England today is preferred by the absolute majority of students who subsequently plan to enter secondary or higher education institutions in the UK and the world, as well as those who simply like English. Language courses of English for foreign students can be found in almost any country that has some relation to the English language: in the former metropolises of the British Empire, in large countries and small towns. Learning English abroad is becoming more accessible every year. English courses in England are, after all, very prestigious and offer unique opportunities after their graduation: from simple understanding of films and books in English to admission to educational institutions in the UK and around the world.
Features of studying English in England
There is nothing more effective and useful than learning English in England, where professional and experienced language teachers are working.
- Great Britain is a special country from the point of view of historical development: for centuries, traditions developed in almost every sphere of life of the British, education is not an exception.
- Since ancient times foreign students have come to England to study English, and through the centuries teachers have worked out one curriculum and methodology after another, bringing the method of teaching English to foreign listeners to the ideal and effective.
- In the process of teaching English in England, students will completely immerse themselves in the linguistic and cultural environment, which will allow not only to learn a lot of new information about the traditions, culture and way of life of Great Britain, but also, with great diligence and with due diligence in English, British accent (for the acquisition of this accent it is desirable to live among the native speakers of the English language for at least six months or a year).
English courses in England are held in different formats, each of which will suit a certain age group of listeners from foreign countries. For example, throughout England, there are many summer language camps for children with English language education, there are also English language courses in the capital of Great Britain, as well as in other cities. High school students will find useful a variety of educational programs for language and academic preparation for entry to higher education institutions in the UK, etc. - in short, for every category of people who want to learn English in England, there will be English courses to suit your taste.
Great importance is the study of the English language in the UK on the international labor market:
- many employees of large international corporations and small foreign economic companies, attaches and diplomats, politicians of different levels, lawyers and even doctors come to England to study specialized English.
- A certificate attesting to listening to language courses in England gives tangible competitive advantages not only when looking for a new place of employment, but also for moving within the company in which the employee is currently working.
- Finally, learning English in the UK is a good way for personal growth and expanding your horizons.
However, even if you are not looking for professional and career growth, do not seek to enter any educational institution in the UK or any other country, learning English in England will allow you to become part of a huge, lively and interesting world of books and news, films and music, communication in English. Everyone - from students of junior classes and students to professionals from international companies and free listeners - is happy to go to learn English in England for language courses, so as not only to make a significant breakthrough in knowledge of English and to tighten their level of language skills, but also to acquire a unique experience of living in a European country.
Let SMAPSE experts consider in more detail how English is taught in courses in UK language schools. First of all, it is necessary to emphasize that, as a rule, language schools in England offer a variety of diverse English courses to students from all over the world. Before beginning any of the language courses, teachers conduct a test of the level of English proficiency for the subsequent distribution of students into groups. In most language schools there is a division into 8 levels. While teaching English, the group you are assigned to may seem unsuitable for you - do not worry, because at any time you can ask teachers to conduct additional testing and determine another language group.
At the English language courses in England, the teaching staff offers balanced educational programs that successfully combine learning different aspects of the English language, such as reading, speaking, grammar exercises, listening, etc. In addition, a large number of schools offer a number of specialized language courses in preparation for the IELTS, TOEFL, English for Business English exams, and many other options - the choice depends on your goals and preferences.
So, the main, perhaps, advantage of teaching English in the UK is the highest professionalism of the teaching staff and a rich experience in teaching English to foreign listeners from around the world, which allows teachers to offer modern, effective and rich educational programs that include interesting assignments, materials: you can be absolutely sure that learning your child will not only be useful and interesting, but also fun and exciting!
English courses in England: basic English language courses
Language schools in England of different levels offer a wide variety of English language courses - everything from small to large will be able to choose the most suitable English course in England, depending on the purposes of the educational visit and the size of the budget. It is possible to divide English language courses in England into several main types:
- English in children's language camps - Primary and secondary school students will gladly go on an interesting and fun trip to one of many summer or winter language camps for children operating on the basis of schools or universities. In such camps, students will not only improve their level of English, but they will also be able to have a good rest, gain strength before the new school year, and also get acquainted with new friends from around the world.
- English for general English courses is a general, classical English language program that involves a balanced study of several basic aspects required in the first stages of teaching English: reading, listening, speaking, grammar, etc.
- English for preparatory language courses - language courses with emphasis on certain aspects of the English language, necessary for the future of education. Such kind of courses provides preparation of entrants for entering high schools or universities of Great Britain and the world, preparation for passing international language exams, etc.
- Standard course (suitable for those who travel to England for the first time, as well as for beginners in learning English);
- Intensive course (suitable for those who would like to more quickly learn more subjects and questions for hardworking and purposeful people);
- super-intensive course (suitable for those who value their time very much or are looking for a challenge).
- English for business English language courses - involves an in-depth study of the specialized vocabulary necessary for the job. To successfully learn English on these courses, you need a fairly high level of proficiency in general English (however, there are courses of business English and for beginners).
In addition, English language courses in England can be divided into 2 groups based on the entry level of language proficiency: there are many courses for beginners in learning English - in such courses the teachers will start with the simplest things, gradually increasing the bar so that by the end even two-week courses, the listener could more or less freely speak on basic topics (as far as possible with a two-week training). Also there are courses for those who want to improve their level of English - the teaching staff on the basis of the introductory test determines the level of each student and, in accordance with this, builds a curriculum.
In terms of the intensity of classes in English language courses in England, there are 3 main types of educational programs:
- Standard course (suitable for those who travel to England for the first time, as well as for beginners in learning English);
- Intensive course (suitable for those who would like to more quickly learn more subjects and questions for hardworking and purposeful people);
- super-intensive course (suitable for those who value their time very much or are looking for a challenge).
These 3 types of language courses differ in the amount of academic hours per day. For example, in a standard English language course in England, students will be engaged for a maximum of 20 hours per week, and on an intensive language course, the load increases to 25 hours per week. Super-intensity involves at least 35 hours of English per week. By the way, all language courses take place only on study days: Monday to Friday. The minimum duration of English language courses in England, available to students, is 2 weeks, while you can study English in courses for a month or even two. The most popular language courses are monthly and two-week educational programs. It is believed that it is two-week English language language courses in England - the best choice for most listeners: during this time you will be able to immerse yourself in the language and cultural environment, get acquainted with the new city, acquire acquaintances and relax. And yet not all this is enough, so you need to seriously consider the duration of his English courses in Britain.
While for English language courses there is no such thing as "seasonality", i.e. the cost of classes throughout the year is the same, attendance varies depending on the time of year: for example, the vast majority of students of English language courses in England choose to visit the country for the period of vacations, vacations in the summer. In addition, the weather at this time of year is most favorable for recreation, especially in coastal cities.
English language courses in England are conducted either in groups or in the form of tutoring. Of course, the most effective, but at the same time the most expensive option is individual lessons with the teacher. Such language courses will allow you to improve your English level in a couple of weeks. Less expensive courses are classes in English in groups of 4-8 people or more.
Peculiarities of students' residence in English language courses in England
Most of the language schools provide assistance to students in finding a place to stay while studying English in England. The basic options include the following:
- House of the British family, the teacher's family;
- Hotel, hostel;
- Removable room or apartment;
- Dorm room for students.
The most demanded and effective in terms of English is living in the house of the host of the British family. If the student is living with the British for the period of studying English in English on language courses, the degree of immersion in the linguistic and cultural environment will increase significantly, which will only favorably affect the effectiveness of the entire educational journey. It should be noted that in most of the schools there are lists of families cooperating with educational institutions and providing everything necessary for an alien child for the period of his education in English language courses. Conversational practice will occur in the classroom and, more importantly, in everyday life, at home, the student will learn many aspects of "live" English, which will allow him to overcome the language barrier in the shortest possible time and subsequently freely speak English language.
A variant of this type of accommodation is the residence of the teacher in the family, which is even more effective. While in a normal family the child will not receive feedback about his mistakes or incorrect pronunciation and use of phrases or words (in most cases), while staying with the teacher the student will be able to immediately correct his mistakes thanks to the feedback from the teacher. Having extensive experience in teaching English to foreign students, teachers who take students at their homes carefully monitor their development, make observations in the educational order and are able to teach children as effectively as possible.
As for living in a hotel or hostel, these options, all other things being equal, can save you sometimes considerable money, for, for example, in hostels, only a bed and a locker or bedside table are provided in the shared rooms designed for 10-15 people, and in hotels, as a rule, there is a flexible system of tariffs. In the hotel you can live with your peers, thereby saving money. Students who are accommodated in a hostel or hotel will be able to communicate with their peers on a daily basis, and this will have a positive effect on speaking practice and on overcoming the language barrier.
The third option is accommodation in a removable apartment. You can rent either the whole apartment (it is advisable to do it together with other students), or only one room. The apartment can accommodate several students of language courses from around the world who came to England to learn English. This accommodation option is quite expensive, but suitable for those who love comfort, freedom and independence. In apartments and rooms usually live students of senior classes, students of universities, as well as adults - the main feature is a high degree of independence and responsibility.
The most affordable, popular and optimal option - accommodation in the student hostel. Typically, such residences are located directly on the school grounds or in the immediate vicinity of the campus. Students live in a few people in comfortable rooms, equipped with everything necessary for comfortable study and rest.
Language camps for children with learning English in England
During the summer months, students around the world rest on vacation, traveling around the world or spending time at home with friends and family. For those who like to combine relaxation and useful activities, there is an excellent opportunity not only to have a good rest, but also to acquire a new unforgettable experience and new knowledge - English language courses in England in the summer children's camp. A children's language camp with learning English provides a unique opportunity for students from all over the world not only to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the culture of the new UK country for them, but also to have a good rest in the company of peers, to get new friends from all over the world and, most importantly to improve your English. An effective combination of study and recreation - this is the main advantage of a children's language summer camp offering English language education in England. The curricula are specially integrated into various recreational activities, games, travel, excursions, etc., so students do not even notice that they are actually learning English. It is worth mentioning that language camps offer a wide variety of educational programs:
- for example, in every language camp for children there are educational programs for students of different levels of English, special joint educational programs for children and their parents (similar courses English language will most suit the youngest listeners, since they will not be separated from their parents).
- In addition to directly teaching English, vacationers can participate in the work of a creative group of interests or work out in one of the many sports sections - this gives the students the opportunity to discover their talents and improve their existing creative or sports skills. Among the proposed sports sections are sports such as football and basketball, cricket and dancing, as well as surfing (in case of a favorable camp location) and even horse riding.
It is important to dwell on the consideration of the peculiarities of the construction of educational programs and of the English classes themselves in the English language camps for children. The youngest students feel great in such camps, and English classes for them are fun and enjoyable, as the teaching staff conducts lessons exclusively in the form of games, competitions, and not ordinary classes in classrooms. Entertaining and exciting tasks given to students are not even perceived by them as school lessons or homework! In English schools in general, and in camps for children in particular, teachers form a rich curriculum and methods, in which they include interesting and fascinating lessons. The main "cunning" of education in England in the English language courses is an individual approach, which each teacher finds to each of the students. This has a positive impact on the effectiveness of teaching English, since the teacher understands what each of his students needs, controls the progress of each of them. In addition, the teacher is actually a friend of each student, and informal communication allows children in a relatively short time to successfully overcome the language barrier, spread their shoulders and begin their journey forward to the unknown peaks of the English language.
By the way, the overwhelming majority of those students who have successfully completed English language courses in England (not only the common language but also language summer camps for children) and decided in the future to continue their education in the UK or another foreign country, subsequently easily enter the secondary schools, universities and colleges not only in Britain, but also in the world.
The most popular summer camps for children with learning English are located in London and its environs - it is here that students from all over the world from 8 to 15 years old like to come here most. First of all, quiet and tranquil suburbs and the nearest counties are the best place for comfortable and safe living and learning. In addition, the picturesque nature of the surroundings of the capital and other counties of England favorably affects the quality of children's recreation.
Students live in student residences on the campus of an educational institution, where a summer language camp for children is functioning. The territory is guarded 24 hours a day, and outside the language camp, students are not allowed to leave on their own - this is allowed only when accompanied by camp staff during excursions or walks.
Features of English courses in England for students from 16 years old
As it was said before, the classic English language course in England includes not only English classes in the classrooms, but also a variety of activities, excursions, and trips that make up the whole cultural program. The list of specific activities included in this cultural and leisure part should be specified in the process of choosing the English language course in England, since it will most likely not be possible to cancel something or, conversely, to buy it.
Most agencies offer 2 main options for organizing an educational trip to English courses in England: an individual (individual) trip or group trip (in a group of students formed in advance):
- Individual trip: you can go to England for English language courses at any desired time, as you are not dependent on the group (see below). In this case, your child will find himself in a new language and cultural environment without the possibility to communicate in native language (as is the case with a group trip) - this will have a favorable impact on his development as far as English is concerned. In a short time the student will have to overcome the language barrier (in which, of course, English teachers will help him). In most cases, the student lives in the home of a British family, however, if desired, accommodation in the student dormitory is possible. Studying English language in England on English courses on an individual basis allows you to thoroughly choose the desired living conditions, studies, etc.
- Group trip: such a trip costs a little less than an individual trip, but in this case it is necessary to wait for the formation of a group of students who then go on an organized educational journey. In addition, directly in England for English language courses, students will have the opportunity to communicate with those with whom they came, in their native language(in most cases, a group trip means training in one group). This circumstance can be interpreted as both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, there will not be a complete immersion in the language environment, and on the other, such language courses will suit shy or uncommunicative students, as well as those who experience stress when traveling alone to English language courses in the UK.
What to look for when choosing a language school and English language course in England
It goes without saying that you need to carefully consider the objectives of the educational trip, outline the budget and understand what specifically you want from the English language courses in England. It is necessary to approach the process of choosing the language course in the most responsible way, because the right choice depends first of all on the effectiveness of teaching English in England, and also on the quality of your child's rest: no one would like to spoil a vacation with too complicated curriculum or boring classes during vacations .
SMAPSE experts present to your attention an approximate check-list, which you can adhere to when you choose a language school and English language courses in the UK:
- First, you need to decide which city in England your child will go to. Throughout Britain there are hundreds and thousands of language schools. The cost of English language courses in England is influenced directly by the city itself, an educational institution that offers English courses, as well as the distance from the center of the city and also from the capital of Great Britain. For example, studying English in London is the most expensive, but already in the suburbs of the capital of the UK language courses in English is cheaper. It is important to consider the prestige of educational institutions (as a rule, the closer to London or the city center is a language educational institution, the more it is needed and the higher its value). In addition, the size of the school or university plays an important role.
- Secondly, determine the intensity of classes in the language course of English. The choice of English course intensity in England depends on the level of your child's English language skills. If this is your first trip, then the choice of a standard course (20 lessons per week) will be optimal. In the case of sufficient knowledge and the desire of the child to learn new and improve the level of English, it is better to take an intensive (up to 30 lessons) or even a super-intensive course (from 35 lessons). It is necessary to find out with your child what his time of residence and study will be in England, otherwise you risk not only ruining a child's vacation, but also, perhaps, discouraging him from learning English.
- Thirdly, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the schedule of classes in the selected language schools or the daily routine in children's language camps. It is worth noting that classes held in the morning, as a rule, are more expensive than evening classes - it's logical, because the second half of the day is the most suitable time for traveling and walking.
- And, finally, it would be good to investigate the question of teaching methods used by teachers in a specific English course. The educational traditions of England have been formed for centuries, and teachers have many years of experience in teaching English to foreign students, so you can be sure of the quality of education. However, different courses emphasize different aspects of learning English: in general English, teachers pay special attention to the general topics necessary for daily free communication, on courses for preparing for entry to higher education institutions in the UK - on the specifics of the entrance exams.
Cost of studying English in England
The cost of teaching English on language courses in England varies from available for almost all categories of the population to high for elite and prestigious courses. In addition, the specific cost of language courses depends on a large number of parameters of the educational tour: the place, the intensity of the program, the duration of studies, the type of residence for the period of English studies in England. For example, the cost of English language courses in London is significantly higher than similar courses at the educational institution of Bata or Brighton. Or take another situation: English language courses in England for adults will be cheaper than similar courses (with the same parameters of accommodation and meals, duration) for children, after all, children need additional care and additional staff.
Thus, the price of studying English on language courses in England directly depends on several parameters: the intensity of education, the length of the course, the type of accommodation and the principle of catering, etc. On average, the cost of education for one week at English language courses in England is as follows:
- The standard course of English will cost from 400 £;
- Intensive English course - from 870 £;
- Intensive English language course with living with a teacher's family - from 900 £;
- Standard English language course with preparation for the IELTS exam (the course consists of 20 lessons) - from 450 £;
- Individual English lessons with a teacher (up to 15 lessons) - from 1,000 £;
Please note that the specific cost should be specified in case of each school - all the necessary information you can find on SMAPSE website, where there is everything you need to choose the right language course for you in England. In the lower part of SMAPSE site there is a special form, filling out which you can get a free consultation from SMAPSE specialists at any time convenient for you. Welcome to England!
